Irish Haulage Fleet Acquires First CNG-powered IVECO Stralis NP

Italian vehicle manufacturer IVECO has secured a major conquest order with Woodside Haulage, a division of Woodside Logistics Group, delivering a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered Stralis NP 4×2 tractor unit into service with the Irish transport specialist in the Northern Ireland town of Antrim.

Supplied by Emerald Truck & Van and with support from Gas Networks Ireland, these trucks have returned better than expected fuel consumption figures, and are helping to reduce Woodside’s carbon footprint in line with its corporate vision. The Stralis NP (AS440S40T/P) offers significant sustainability advantages when compared to its diesel equivalent. As well as delivering the same performance in terms of payload, performance and versatility, the truck produces up to 99 per cent less particulate matter, 90 per cent less NO2 emissions and up to 15 per cent less CO2 emissions.

Speaking at the launch, Mark Woodside, Managing Director of Woodside Haulage commented saying: “There is an expectation from many customers that we adopt innovative technology to reduce our environmental impact when we are transporting their goods. We view this transition to CNG as an important first step in the roll out of gas-powered vehicles within our fleet. The new vehicle also enables us to achieve an important objective within our ISO 14001 environmental management system of using alternative fuels to further reduce emissions.”

“We view this as an important first step towards the further roll out of gas-powered vehicles within our fleet”, he added.

The Stralis entry into service follows the opening of the new Circle K CNG refuelling station at Dublin Port – with the vehicle to be used for general haulage duties in and around Dublin, operating from Woodside Haulage’s depot inside the port.

The Stralis NP – billed by IVECO as the ‘TCO2 Champion’ – is powered by an 8.7-litre IVECO Cursor 9 Natural Gas engine which delivers the same output of 400 hp and 1,700 Nm torque as its diesel equivalent, resulting in an excellent power-to-weight ratio, power density and quietness of operation.

The Stralis NP features a 12-speed automated gearbox – guaranteeing lower fuel consumption and greater driving comfort. As the engine is compliant with Euro VI emission requirements and 50 per cent quieter than diesel, the truck is also ideal for night-time operations.

Established as a family business 50 years ago, Woodside Haulage transports full and part loads from its sites in Ballyclare, Dublin and Preston.